Distribution assembly for an injection molding apparatus

ABSTRACT

An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source and delivering the melt stream to a nozzle channel of a nozzle. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle channel to receive the melt stream through the mold gate. A distribution assembly is located adjacent to the manifold. The distribution assembly includes at least one distribution member having a groove formed in an outer surface thereof and at least one conduit provided in the distribution member. The groove receives wiring from a heater of the nozzle and routes the wiring to a termination location or box. The conduit distributed fluid to various locations in the injection molding apparatus, such as actuation fluid for an actuator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an injection moldingapparatus and, in particular to a distribution assembly for a hotrunner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical multi-cavity hot runner injection molding apparatus includes aheated manifold for delivering a pressurized melt stream to a pluralityof heated nozzles. Each heated nozzle delivers melt to a respective moldcavity through a mold gate. Cooling channels are provided adjacent tothe mold cavities to cool the molded parts prior to ejection from theinjection molding apparatus.

The manifold and nozzles are typically heated by heaters that are linkedto a power source through electrical wiring. In many cases, each nozzleincludes both a heater wire and a thermocouple wire. As such, therouting of wiring throughout the hot runner may be difficult,particularly in systems with a large number of nozzles and,consequently, a large volume of wires. One technique for routing wiringincludes machining wire-receiving grooves into mold plates surroundingthe hot runner in order to direct the wires through the hot runner moldto the outside in order to connect to a remote power source. Thissolution is time consuming because the layout of the wire-receivinggrooves often needs to be custom-designed for each injection moldingapplication.

The routing of hydraulic fluid and/or compressed air conduits toactuators within a valve-gated injection molding apparatus also presentsa challenge. Conventionally, conduits are either machined in the mold orvia external tubing, and are coupled to a hydraulic fluid and/orcompressed air source to control the valve pin actuators.

Routing of wiring and hydraulic fluid/compressed air conduits is a timeconsuming labor intensive process and the volume of the lines in themold can become quite large and awkward to handle.

Hot runner molds with large volumes of wires and fluid lines can bedifficult to disassemble should maintenance on the hot runner berequired.

There is therefore a need to simplify the routing process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards an injection molding hotrunner apparatus having at least one nozzle with a heater and includinga preformed distribution member which has a groove for receiving thewiring from the nozzle heater and routing/guiding it through the hotrunner mold.

In another aspect of this invention the preformed distribution membermay also provide conduits for providing and routing fluids within thehot runner apparatus, for example, to operate hydraulic or pneumaticactuators for valve-gated nozzles.

In yet another aspect of this invention two or more preformeddistribution members may be connected to form a distribution assembly toachieve a desired configuration to provide and route some or allelectrical and fluid services to the hot runner apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fullywith reference to the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumerals indicate similar structure.

FIG. 1 is a side view partly in section of an injection moldingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of the injection moldingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a distribution member of the injectionmolding apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a portion of the injection moldingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another portion of the injection moldingapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of yet another portion of the injectionmolding apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of an injection moldingapparatus with a second embodiment of a distribution assembly.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a portion of the distribution assembly ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a portion of the distribution assembly ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a portion of the distribution assemblyof FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of distribution member of thedistribution assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a portion of an injection moldingapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an injection molding apparatus 10 isgenerally shown. Injection molding apparatus 10 includes a manifold 12,which is made up of a main manifold 14 and a pair of sub-manifolds 16. Amanifold melt channel 15 extends through the manifold 12 from an inlet(not shown), which is provided in main manifold 14, to outlets 17, whichare provided in sub-manifolds 16. The manifold melt channel 15 receivesa melt stream of moldable material from a machine nozzle (not shown)through a sprue bushing 18 and delivers the melt to nozzle channels 21of hot runner nozzles 20. The manifold 12 is heated by a manifold heater(not shown).

Although a pair of hot runner nozzles 20 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, itwill be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a typicalinjection molding apparatus may include only one or a plurality of hotrunner nozzles for receiving melt from respective manifold outlets.Similarly, although a manifold including a main manifold and a pair ofsub-manifolds is shown, the manifold may be a single manifold or mayinclude a main manifold and a plurality of sub-manifolds.

Each nozzle 20 is received in an opening 22 in a mold plate 24. Thenozzles 20 are front mounted nozzles, which are coupled to outletsurfaces 26 of the sub-manifolds 16. Front mounted nozzles are wellknown in the art and therefore will not be described further here. Thenozzles 20 are heated by heaters 34 and further include thermocouples36.

Valve pins 25 extend through the nozzle channels 21 and are axiallymovable by actuators 28 to selectively engage respective mold gates 38.Each actuator 28 generally includes a piston and cylinder arrangement inwhich the piston is movable under the application of pressure by ahydraulic fluid or compressed air. Alternatively, the actuator 28 may beelectrically operated.

A mold cavity 40 is provided between mold plate 24 and a second moldplate 42. Mold cavity 40 receives melt from the nozzle channel 21through the mold gate 38. Cooling channels 30 extend through mold plate24 to cool mold cavity 40.

A locating ring 44 is provided to locate the main manifold 14 relativeto the mold plate 24. Additional locators 46 extend from outlet surfaces26 of the sub-manifolds 16 to locate the manifold 12 relative to themold plate 24. Pillars 48 extend from sub-manifolds 16 to spacesub-manifolds 16 from a third mold plate 54.

In operation, melt is injected from the machine nozzle into manifoldmelt channel 15 of manifold 12 through sprue bushing 18. Nozzle meltchannels 21 of nozzles 20 receive melt from manifold outlets 17. Valvepins 25 are retracted to allow melt to flow from nozzle channels 21 intomold cavities 40 through mold gates 38. Once the mold cavities 40 havebeen filled with melt, the valve pins 25 are extended to stop the flowof melt through mold gates 38, the melt in the mold cavities 40 iscooled and the molded parts are ejected from the mold cavities 40.

A distribution assembly 50 is located between the back plate and thesub-manifold 16 and is received in an opening 52 in the third mold plate54. The distribution assembly 50 is generally in the same plane as theactuators 28 of valve pins 25. The distribution assembly 50 generallyroutes cables (not shown), wiring (not shown) and fluids between thenozzles 20 and a termination location or box 60.

The distribution assembly 50 includes distribution members 56 that arecoupled to one another through connecting brackets 58. Referring to FIG.3, each distribution member 56 includes a groove 62 provided in an uppersurface 64 thereof. The groove 62 is sized to receive a plurality ofcables and wires including electrical wiring from nozzle heaters, wiringfrom thermocouples, control wires used for actuation of valve pins 25and wiring for various other mold sensors. Some examples of othersensors used in injection molding apparatus 10 include: sensors fordetermining piston location, pressure sensors and fluid flow sensors.The groove 62 further provides protection to the cables and wiringbetween the nozzles 20 and the termination box 60 from damage that mayoccur during assembly and disassembly of the injection molding apparatus10.

Cooling inlet conduits 66 and cooling return conduits 68 extend throughthe distribution members 56. A cooling fluid circulates through thecooling conduits 66, 68 in order to cool the actuators 28, which mayoverheat during operation of the injection molding apparatus 10. Thecooling fluid may be any suitable coolant, such as water, for example.

Actuator fluid inlet conduits 70, 72 and actuator fluid return conduit74 extend through the distribution members 56 to operate the actuators28. In the case in which the actuator 28 is hydraulic, the actuatorfluid is a hydraulic fluid such as oil, for example. Alternatively, inthe case in which the actuator 28 is pneumatic, the actuator fluid is acompressed gas, such as air, for example. By providing two actuatorinlet conduits 70, 72, it is possible to operate a first set ofactuators in a different sequence than a second set of actuators. Inaddition, valves may be mounted on or near the cylinders of theactuators 28 and controlled electrically while drawing pressure from thefluid inlet conduits 70, 72.

Each distribution member 56 further includes a pair of T-slots 76 thatare provided in opposing side surfaces 78 thereof. Mounting apertures104, which allow for mating with connecting brackets 58 or othercomponents, are generally regularly spaced along the side surfaces 78 ofeach distribution member 56.

The distribution members 56 are formed from aluminum extrusions. Asingle extrusion may be divided into several individual distributionmembers 56. The distribution members 56 are not limited to being madefrom aluminum. Another suitable material may alternatively be used.Further, the distribution member 56 may alternatively be machined orformed by any other known method. The complexity of the profile requiredto accommodate the particular application may dictate how best thedistribution member 56 should be made.

Referring to FIG. 4, the connecting bracket 58 provides a transitionbetween a first distribution member 56′ and a second distribution member56″. The connecting bracket 58 includes a first slot 80, a second slot82 and a base 84. The first slot 80 receives an end 86 of firstdistribution member 56′ and the second slot 82 receives an end 88 ofsecond distribution member 56″. As shown, outlets of the conduits 66,68, 70, 72, 74 of first distribution member 56″ are blocked with plugs90 and apertures (not shown) are machined into a lower surface 65thereof, which is in abutment with the base 84. The second distributionmember 56″ is modified in a similar manner. The base 84 of theconnecting bracket 58 includes five branching conduits (not shown) thatare aligned with the apertures of the first and second distributionbranches 56′, 56″. The branching conduits allow for uninterruptedcommunication between the conduits 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 of the first andsecond distribution members 56′ and 56″ through the connecting bracket58.

The connecting brackets 58 are coupled to the distribution members 56′,56″ by fasteners (not shown), which extend through apertures 92. Theconnecting brackets 58 are machined from aluminum; however, any othersuitable material or production method may alternatively be used.

Because the connecting bracket 58 of FIG. 4 functions to join first andsecond distribution members 56′, 56″ at generally a 90-degree angle, thebracket 58 is generally T-shaped, as shown. Other connecting brackets 58may be provided to join distribution members 56 to one another at adifferent angle or in an end-to-end arrangement. It will be appreciatedby a person skilled in the art that such connecting brackets 58 willhave a slightly different configuration, but will function in a similarmanner.

In order for the cables and wires (not shown) to pass from onedistribution member 56 to another, grommets 94 are provided in thegrooves 62. Each grommet 94 includes a passage 96 for wires to passthrough. The grommets 94 are provided so that the wires enter and exitthe grooves 62 in a neat and controlled manner.

Referring to FIG. 5, cables and wires also enter or exit the groove 62adjacent the nozzles 20. Loop straps 98, which are mounted in theT-slots 76 of the distribution members 56, guide the wiring between thenozzle 20 and the groove 62. The loop straps 98 may also be provided atother locations on the injection molding apparatus 10 where wiringextends outside of the groove 62. The loop straps 98 may alternativelybe mounted to the manifold 12.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the distribution assembly 50 is coupled to themanifold 12 by mounting brackets 100. As shown in FIG. 5, each mountingbracket 100 is generally U-shaped and is located between thesub-manifold 16 and the lower surface 65 of the distribution member 56.The mounting bracket 100 is coupled to the distribution member 56 byfasteners (not shown) that extend through apertures 102 of the mountingbracket 100 and apertures 104 of the distribution member 56. Fasteners(not shown) also couple the mounting bracket 100 to the sub-manifold 16.The fasteners extend through washers 106, which are made of aninsulating material such as titanium, for example, to minimize heat lossfrom the sub-manifold 16 to the distribution assembly 50.

Hoist rings 108 are coupled to the top surface 64 of the distributionmember 56 at the mounting bracket 100 locations. The hoist rings 108 arecoupled to the distribution member 56 by fasteners 110 that mate withthe T-slot 76. The hoist rings 108 are provided for assembly purposesonly and are removed following installation of the distribution assembly50.

Referring to FIG. 6, all of the wiring that is received in the grooves62 of the distribution assembly 50 is directed to the termination box 60through a pair of distribution members 56. The distribution members 56are provided in a side-by-side arrangement and therefore include a pairof grooves 62 for accommodating the large volume of wires. Additionaldistribution members 56 may also be added if the injection moldingsystem is particularly large and/or complex.

The termination box 60 includes a first connector 112 that is coupled toa power source (not shown) for providing power to the nozzle heaters 34and manifold heaters of the injection molding apparatus 10. A secondconnector 114 links the thermocouple terminations to a circuit (notshown) that uses the thermocouple output to control the power input tothe heaters associated with the respective thermocouples. A thirdconnector 116 is coupled to a control circuit (not shown) forcontrolling the actuators. The termination box 60 further includes asingle termination point for each of the conduits 66, 68, 70, 72, 74.Each of the conduits 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 is linked to a fluid supply orreturn at this location.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that separateconnectors 112, 114, 116 are provided for volume purposes. In arelatively small, simple apparatus, a single connector may be providedfor power, thermocouples, and control wiring.

FIGS. 7-12 show another embodiment of a distribution assembly 200 foruse with an injection molding apparatus such as the one shown in FIG. 1.FIG. 7 shows distribution assembly 200, including distribution members202 and connecting bracket 204, in relation to sub-manifold 16 and valvepin 25.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, connecting bracket 204 is disposed onthe top surface 206 of distribution members 202, rather than the bottomsurface as shown in FIG. 4, for example. Further, fittings 208 areconnected to conduits 210 in distribution members 202 and extend from abottom surface 212 of the distribution members 202. FIGS. 7-12 show four(4) conduits 210, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. However, as would beunderstood by those skilled in the art, any number of conduits 210 canbe used as necessary for the distribution assembly 200. For example,five (5) conduits 210, corresponding to the conduits 66, 68, 70, 72 and74 shown in a first embodiment, may be used. A corresponding fitting 208for each conduit 210 would therefore be appropriate. Utilizing fittings208 for conduits 210 permits an easier connection between adjacentdistribution members 202, and does not require the branching conduitsdescribed with respect to base 84 of the connecting bracket 58 of thefirst embodiment. The ends of corresponding fittings 208 of distributionmembers 202 may connect with tubing, hoses, or the like. Fittings 208may be hydraulic fittings, such as SEAL-LOK O-ring face seal fittingsavailable from Parker Hannifin, or other fittings or the like, as wouldbe understood by those skilled in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10-12, distribution members 202 includeapertures 242 spaced along side surfaces 220 thereof. Apertures 242allow wiring from distribution members 202 to exit the distributionmember in order to connect with devices of the injection moldingapparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, distribution member 202 includes a groove214 and T-slots 216, similar to the first embodiment. Further, in orderto simplify the routing of wires between grooves 214 of distributionmembers 202, slots 222 are provided in side surfaces 220 of distributionmembers 202. As can be seen, one of the slots 222 is aligned with agroove 214 of a corresponding distribution member 202 when thedistribution members are connected by a connecting bracket (not shown inFIG. 10 for convenience).

Referring to FIG. 9, connecting bracket 204 provides a transitionbetween a first distribution member 202′ and a second distributionmember 202″. The connecting bracket 204 includes a top 224, a first slot226, and a second slot 228. The first slot 226 receives an end 230 offirst distribution member 202′ and the second slot 228 receives an end232 of second distribution member 202″. As shown, outlets of theconduits 210 of first distribution member 202′ are blocked with plugs218.

The connecting brackets 204 are coupled to the distribution members 202by fasteners (not shown), which extend through apertures 234 and engageT-nuts (not shown) disposed in T-slots 216. As discussed with respect tothe first embodiment, connecting brackets 204 are machined fromaluminum, however, any other suitable material or production method mayalternatively be used.

Because the connecting bracket 204 of FIG. 9 functions to join first andsecond distribution members 202′, 202″ at generally a 90-degree angle,the bracket 204 is generally T-shaped, as shown. Other connectingbrackets may be provided to join distribution members 202 to one anotherat a different angle or in an end-to-end arrangement. It will beappreciated by a person skilled in the art that such connecting brackets204 will have a slightly different configuration, however, will functionin a similar manner.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the distribution assembly 200 is coupled tosub-manifold 16 using a different embodiment of a mounting bracket 236.Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, mounting bracket 236 isgenerally U-shaped and is located between the sub-manifold 16 and thelower surface 212 of the distribution member 202. Mounting bracket 236is coupled to distribution member 202 by fasteners (not shown) thatextend through apertures 240 of mounting bracket 236 and are coupled toT-nuts (not shown) in T-slots 216 of distribution member 202. Fasteners(not shown) also couple the mounting bracket 236 to the sub-manifold 16.The fasteners extend through washers (not shown), as described withrespect to FIG. 5.

A hoist ring 238 is coupled to a top surface 244 of mounting bracket236. Hoist ring 108 is coupled to mounting bracket 236 by fasteners (notshown) extending through aperture 246 in hoist ring 238 that mate withan aperture (not shown) in top surface 244 of mounting bracket 236. Asdescribed with respect to the first embodiment, mounting brackets 236are located at various locations in distribution assembly 200, and hoistrings 238 are provided at these same locations. Hoist rings 238 are forassembly purposes only and are removed following installation of thedistribution assembly 200.

Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of distribution assembly 200with respect to a sub-manifold 16 is shown. Valve pin 25 disposed atleast partially within a nozzle is moved by an actuator 248. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 12, each actuator 248 of an injection moldingapparatus (only one is shown for convenience) may be individuallycontrolled using a control valve 250, such as a four-port, two-waycontrol valve. Control valve 250 includes fittings 254, 256, whichconnect with fittings 258, 260 of actuator 248 using tubing 262, 264,for example. The fittings and tubing result in two connections betweencontrol valve 250 and actuator 248, one of which is a pressure line andthe other of which is a return line.

Actuator 248 may also include fittings 266, 268 for cooling liquid. Thefittings 266, 268 are coupled to cooling conduits in distribution member202 to prevent overheating of the actuator 248, which is adjacent toheated sub-manifold 16.

As shown in FIG. 12, control valve 250 is mounted to distribution member202. Adjacent control valve 250 is a solenoid 270 and a wiring box 272.Wiring box 272 received wires from distribution member 202 to operatesolenoid 270 and control valve 250. Wires from distribution member 202may exit distribution member 202 through one of apertures 242 in a sidesurface 220 of distribution member 202, for example.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, multipleembodiments have been described and different features of thoseembodiment may be interchanged. For example, the hoist ring and mountingbracket of the second embodiment may be used in conjunction with thefirst embodiment, and vice versa. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationillustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modificationsand equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. An injection molding apparatus comprising: a manifold having amanifold channel, said manifold channel receiving a melt stream ofmoldable material from a source; a nozzle coupled to said manifold, saidnozzle having a nozzle channel for receiving said melt stream from saidmanifold channel; a heater and temperature sensor coupled to saidnozzle; a valve pin slidable through said nozzle channel of said nozzle,said valve pin being movable by an actuator; and a distribution assemblylocated adjacent to said manifold, said distribution assembly having atleast one distribution member, said at least one distribution memberincluding, a groove provided in an outer surface of said at least onedistribution member, said groove for receiving wiring from said heaterand temperature sensor and routing said wiring to a termination locationon said injection molding apparatus, and a first conduit and a secondconduit extending through said distribution member, said first conduitfor transporting a fluid from a source through said distributionassembly, said second conduit for returning the fluid to the source. 2.The injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfluid is actuation fluid for an actuator.
 3. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuator is drivenhydraulically and said actuation fluid is hydraulic fluid.
 4. Theinjection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said actuatoris driven pneumatically and said actuation fluid is compressed air. 5.The injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidfluid is a coolant.
 6. The injection molding apparatus as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said coolant is water.
 7. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a third conduit anda fourth conduit extending through said distribution member, said thirdconduit for transporting a second fluid from a source through saiddistribution assembly to an actuator, said fourth conduit for returningthe second fluid from said actuator to the source.
 8. The injectionmolding apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fluid is a coolantand said second fluid is actuation fluid for said actuator.
 9. Theinjection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein saidactuation fluid is a hydraulic fluid.
 10. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said actuation fluid is air.11. The injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein saidcoolant is water.
 12. The injection molding apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said distribution member is an aluminum extrusion. 13.An injection molding apparatus comprising: a manifold having a manifoldchannel, said manifold channel receiving a melt stream of moldablematerial from a source; a plurality of nozzles coupled to said manifold,each of said nozzles having a nozzle channel for receiving said meltstream from said manifold channel; a heater and temperature sensorcoupled to each of said nozzles; a valve pin slidable through each ofsaid nozzle channels of said nozzles, each of said valve pins beingmovable by an actuator; and a distribution assembly located adjacent tosaid manifold, said distribution assembly having a plurality ofdistribution members, each of said distribution members including, agroove provided in an outer surface of said distribution member, saidgroove for receiving wiring from said heaters and temperature sensorsand routing said wiring to a termination location on said injectionmolding apparatus, and a first conduit and a second conduit extendingthrough said distribution member, said first conduit for transporting afluid from a source through said distribution assembly to saidactuators, said second conduit for returning the fluid from saidactuators to the source.
 14. The injection molding apparatus as claimedin claim 13, further comprising a connecting bracket for connecting afirst distribution member and a second distribution member of saidplurality of distribution members together.
 15. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said connecting bracketcomprises a first slot for receiving said first distribution member anda second slot for receiving said second distribution member.
 16. Theinjection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein saidconnecting bracket further comprises a base.
 17. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first distribution memberand said second distribution member include T-slots formed in sidesurfaces thereof, wherein said connecting bracket is coupled to saidfirst and second distribution members through screws extending throughapertures in said connecting bracket and mating with T-nuts disposed insaid T-slots.
 18. The injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim14, wherein said connecting bracket is coupled to said first and seconddistribution members through screws extending through apertures in saidconnecting bracket and mating with apertures formed in side surfaces ofsaid first and second distribution members.
 19. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said connecting bracket ismachined from aluminum.
 20. An injection molding apparatus comprising: amanifold having a manifold channel, said manifold channel receiving amelt stream of moldable material from a source; a nozzle coupled to saidmanifold, said nozzle having a nozzle channel for receiving said meltstream from said manifold channel; a valve pin slidable through saidnozzle channel of said nozzle, said valve pin being movable by anactuator; a distribution assembly located adjacent to said manifold,said distribution assembly having at least one distribution member; agroove provided in an outer surface of said distribution member, saidgroove for receiving wiring and routing said wiring; and at least oneconduit provided in said distribution member to transport a fluid. 21.An injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein saiddistribution member is an extrusion.
 22. An injection molding apparatusas claimed in claim 21, wherein said extruded distribution member ismade of aluminum.
 23. The injection molding apparatus as claimed inclaim 20, further comprising a mounting bracket for mounting saiddistribution member to said manifold.
 24. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said mounting bracketcomprises a U-shaped member located between said manifold and a lowersurface of said distribution member.
 25. The injection molding apparatusas claimed in claim 24, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to thedistribution member by fasteners that extend through apertures in a sidesurface of said mounting bracket and apertures in a side surface of saiddistribution member.
 26. The injection molding apparatus as claimed inclaim 23, wherein said mounting bracket is coupled to said manifoldusing fasteners that extend through insulating washers.
 27. Theinjection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 20, further comprising ahoist ring coupled to a top surface of said distribution member.
 28. Theinjection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein said hoistring is coupled to said distribution member by fasteners that mate withT-slots formed in said distribution member.
 29. The injection moldingapparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said mounting bracket iscoupled to said distribution member by fasteners that mate with T-slotsformed in said distribution member.
 30. The injection molding apparatusas claimed in claim 23, further comprising a hoist ring coupled to saidmounting bracket.
 31. The injection molding apparatus as claimed inclaim 30, wherein said hoist ring is coupled to said mounting bracket byfasteners that extend through an upper surface of said hoist ring. 32.The injection molding apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein saidmounting bracket is coupled to said distribution member by fastenersthat mate with T-slots formed in said distribution member.